Special teams coach Toub leaving Bears

Special teams coach Dave Toub will not return to the Chicago Bears under the team’s new head coach.

An NFL source told the Tribune on Tuesday morning that Toub, one of 13 known candidates to interview for the head-coaching position, is definitely leaving the organization after nine seasons. He was one of four special teams coaches the Bears considered for the job.

Toub is joining Andy Reid’s staff with the Kansas City Chiefs, the team announced. Toub’s contract with the Bears ran through 2013 but general manager Phil Emery granted him permission to interview with the Chiefs and Carolina Panthers. It is believed Emery did so because Toub didn’t want to be in a difficult position working for a head coach he competed against for the job.

Toub was an original hire on Lovie Smith’s staff and the Bears finished in the top-10 in comprehensive special teams rankings in eight of nine seasons. They placed eighth this season despite not having the kind of success that had become expected in the return game. Under Toub, Devin Hester became the NFL’s all-time leading scorer on special teams returns. Hester was one of five different special teams players to reach the Pro Bowl under Toub.

Reid gave Toub his first job in the NFL with the Philadelphia Eagles in 2001 and the two worked prior to that at Missouri and UTEP, making a reunion a natural fit. It is believed Toub also had an offer from Ron Rivera and the Panthers.

It’s not known what direction the Bears will go in. Special teams assistant Kevin O’Dea remains under contract to the Bears. He could be considered for the job but indications are he also may desire to go to the Chiefs with Toub.

Former Bears special teams assistant Chris Tabor, under contract to the Cleveland Browns, is in high demand. To this point, the Browns have not released him from his contract.